Karnataka Allows LKG, UKG Classes In 581 Government Schools Karnataka has permitted Lower Kindergarten (LKG) and Upper Kindergarten (UKG) classes in 581 government schools for the 2026-27 academic year under the Samagra Shiksha Karnataka scheme. The guidelines cover admission age, enrolment limits, classroom facilities and staff eligibility. Children aged four to five years will be eligible for LKG admission under the prescribed guidelines. Each approved government school will have one LKG section and one UKG section, with a maximum of 40 children in each section. At least 10 children must enrol for a section to be started. Classes will be conducted from 10 am to 3:30 pm in a bilingual medium, with activity-based learning. Schools must register students on the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) and record daily attendance through the NITRANTHARA app. The guidelines also provide for bilingual activity books, hot-cooked midday meals, milk under the Ksheera Bhagya scheme and supplementary nutrition, including eggs, subject to the prescribed provisions. Karnataka LKG, UKG Teacher Eligibility And Recruitment Each school will have one teacher for LKG, one for UKG and one ayah or assistant. Appointments will be temporary for 10 months, up to March 31 of the relevant academic year. Teacher applicants must have passed PUC with at least 50% marks and hold a relevant pre-primary teaching qualification from an institution recognised by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Accepted qualifications include diplomas in nursery or pre-school teacher education, a diploma in early childhood education of at least two years, or a B.Ed. in Nursery Education. The maximum age limit is 45 years. If suitably qualified pre-primary teachers are unavailable, candidates with at least 50% marks in PUC and an NCTE-recognised Diploma in Education may be considered. Applicants for ayah or assistant posts must have passed SSLC. The posts are intended for local women below 45 years of age. The monthly honorarium is Rs 6,250 for the 10-month appointment. A selection committee headed by the Block Education Officer will oversee recruitment. Education officials at district and taluk levels will monitor implementation, including enrolment, staff qualifications and attendance records. Lakshima Sareen is a Senior Copy Editor with the Digital Education Desk at Times Now, specialising in education news, exam updates, and policy reporti... View More